Snowboarding for Beginners: What You Actually Need to Get Started

“Helmets are a must for any snow sports athlete, beginner, intermediate, or expert,” says Jonah Drescher, veteran freestyle and X Games coach, former U.S. Ski Team athlete, and mountain expert at Christy Sports in Denver. “Fit and safety matter more than price. Look for Mips technology on any helmet. This ensures you are starting with strong safety protection. Price [varies based on] features like venting, brims, and audio compatibility.”

The Smith Descend is my helmet of choice because it balances safety with comfort. It combines Mips with Zonal KOROYD for enhanced energy absorption in a crash. Mips is a safety system designed to reduce rotational forces on the brain during certain angled impacts, adding a low-friction layer that helps the helmet “give” slightly on impact instead of transferring all that twist to your head. Zonal KOROYD is a cushioning or impact technology that works to absorb maximum force during impact.

I love the ability to get a perfect fit with Smith helmets using the adjustable dial. You can do this even with gloves on, a bonus when riding with littles. The Descend has 16 total vents to regulate temperature, and it’s audio-compatible with ear pads.

Goggles protect your eyes from wind, snow, and UV rays while also helping you see ahead more clearly. As Drescher recommends, “Make sure your goggles fit your face well, sit snugly on the bridge of your nose, and integrate cleanly with your helmet.”

For an entry-level pick, Dane Nickerson, general manager and instructor at Infinity Slopes in Loveland, Colorado, recommends the Goodr Snow G, which keeps things simple and affordable (under $100) without skimping on the basics: anti-fog performance, an adjustable strap, and two swappable magnetic lenses for switching between bright and low-light conditions. 

Blue Lizard’s Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen has an SPF of 50, is 100 percent mineral-based, hypoallergenic (meaning less likely to cause an allergic reaction), and contains aloe vera, making it suitable for the most sensitive of users.

“I did not get any sunburn during my testing, and I was outside all of those days,” says writer Raki Swanson, who tested this sunscreen on her sensitive skin. It also never caused any skin irritation. We love that it’s water-resistant up to 80 minutes (helpful for when you get snow on the face).

Snowboard boots are the first piece of gear to invest in once you know you’ll be sticking with the sport. “Beginners should prioritize boots that are comfortable and not overly stiff,” says Mazza. “You want boots that are snug but not tight. Pro tip: Look for a boot that’s heat-moldable; boot liners that can be warmed up and shaped to fit your foot more precisely. This will drastically decrease the break-in period from day one.”

The K2 Raider for men and the K2 Belief for women are good starting points. “The boots are built to be easy, comfortable, and forgiving while you’re learning,” says Mazza. The BOA Fit System makes getting in and out quicker without wrestling with laces. The Intuition Comfort Foam 3D liner is also a big win at this price point, offering a warm, breathable, and heat-moldable design that hugs your foot.

“As riders progress, they may want boots with more support and responsiveness,” explains Travis Corder, founder, owner, and instructor at Infinity Slopes in Loveland, Colorado. “Traditional lace-up or dual-zone lacing systems allow a more precise fit and adjustment, while slightly stiffer boots improve control.”

The Burton Ruler BOA (men’s) and Burton Limelight BOA (women’s) are strong upgrades because they let you independently dial in tension between the upper and forefoot via their dual-zone BOA fit system. “The Burton [Ruler BOA] is medium to stiff flex, being responsive and supportive without feeling heavy, and the heat-moldable liners allow for a custom fit,” says Corder.

When starting out, you want a board that helps you learn, not one that demands perfect technique right away. “A beginner doesn’t need to start with any board that is presented as stiff, aggressive camber, or directional. The style of these boards can hinder the learning process,” says Nickerson.

The Burton Instigator is truly beginner-friendly. Nickerson shares, “Its directional shape makes it easier to carve and cruise; the twin flex keeps it forgiving (the nose and tail bend the same way, making board behavior more predictable); and the Channel Board Mount makes it compatible with all major bindings.”

Once you’ve got the basics down and you’re riding more intentionally, that’s when upgrading can really pay off. “As you are leveling up, it’s important to pick a board that matches the type of riding you want to do. A powder board will behave differently from a board designed for the freestyle park,” explains Nickerson. 

A “great room to grow” option Mazza recommends is the Jones Frontier 2.0: “It’s approachable but delivers good performance across the mountain.” It’s an all-terrain board with a tapered directional shape (slightly wider nose than tail), which can help it float in powder while remaining stable in choppy conditions. 

Snowboard bindings are the connection point between your boots and your board. They do a lot more than just “hold you on.” Bindings help transfer your movements to the board (heelside,  toeside, turning, stopping). They can play a major role in comfort and fatigue after a long day. 

The two main binding categories are traditional strap-in bindings and the newer step-in and step-on systems. For strap-ins, you sit down (or bend over), slide your boot in, and tighten two straps for a secure fit.

If looking for a strap-in, we recommend the Burton Freestyle as an entry-level pick. Mazza calls it “flexible with a consistent, forgiving feel, and it’s typically under $200.” It also uses Flex baseplates with universal compatibility, which is helpful because the binding can mount to all major board systems, so you’re not locked into one board style as you upgrade.  

Step-on systems simplify this binding process by using a click-in system. “Step-in bindings can be a great option for beginners because they’re quick and easy to use, letting riders spend more time learning and less time dealing with gear,” explains Corder. “The downside is they typically cost more, offer less adjustability than traditional strap bindings, and often require boots and bindings to be the same brand, which may limit flexibility when shopping.”

If you’re okay spending a little more for the step-on experience, the Burton Step On Genesis EST delivers a boot-to-binding interface and easy forward-lean adjustment. The binding is also compatible with boards featuring The Channel mounting system. Check out the similar women’s version here.

After testing the Icebreaker Women’s Merino 260 Tech High Rise Thermal Leggings, I have added them to my cold-weather gear bag. The 100 percent merino wool bottoms are soft, naturally odor-resistant, and help wick moisture while still keeping me warm.

“Moisture-wicking merino is key as a base layer. When we get wet, we get cold,” says Drescher. That matches my experience here. This is the kind of layer you forget you’re wearing because it keeps you so comfortable.

While these leggings are a solid base layer under snow pants and bibs, they’re not something I would reach for as a stand-alone running legging. They’re made with a thinner fabric, which works well for wicking but not for blocking cold on their own. Overall, I have found these leggings to be an ideal base layer for skiing, snowboarding, and other cold-weather activities.

A thermal top adds warmth without the bulk, helps move sweat off your skin, and keeps you comfortable through changing temps on the mountain. When we tested the Merino 260 Tech Long Sleeve Thermal from Ice Breaker, it hit all of our marks.

“I love the colors, the material, the cut, and how functional and cute this top is,” says editor Ally Hirschlag. “This top would be a great layering piece for many outdoor sports.”

It’s 100 percent merino wool, has easy-care instructions (simply wash and dry with like colors), and comes in super fun colors.

Base and mid layers can be the difference between enjoying yourself on the mountain and being miserable. While your base layer wicks moisture, a mid layer holds onto warmth while still letting that moisture escape. You want to stay dry and comfortable, not overheated then frozen. The Stio Dawner Jacket has become my husband’s go-to. “The warmth-to-weight ratio is why this jacket is so good,” he told me.

Made with Octa insulation and a raised diamond-grid, the jacket is designed to trap heat without feeling bulky while still allowing sweat to evaporate. In addition to the warmth and dryness it provides, it’s super practical. Zippered pockets keep important items secure, like phone, keys, pass, and snacks. The adjustable hem helps seal out drafts and provides a more custom fit, whether it’s going under a shell or worn on its own for warmer days.

The Stio Dawner also comes in a women’s version with the same great features and is available in five colors.

If you’re ready for a step up in performance, the Burton [ak] Cyclic GORE-TEX 2L Jacket for men or the Burton [ak] Upshift GORE-TEX 2L Jacket for women are built for longer, more intense days. “Waterproof, breathable jackets keep you dry and comfortable,” says Corder. “As riders progress, they may want more technical gear with better breathability, durability, and features for long days on the mountain.”

GORE-TEX is guaranteed to keep you dry. It’s waterproof, windproof, yet breathable. Key features include an adjustable hood, mesh-lined pit zips for cooling, and several pockets: hand-warmer pockets, chest pockets, a biceps pass pocket, plus a zippered interior pocket to help keep devices warm and working (especially important for your phone, if you get lost or injured).

Deciding between pants and a bib (snow pants with built-in suspenders and a high chest and/or back panel, similar to overalls) usually comes down to comfort, desired coverage, and how much time you expect to spend on the ground (as a beginner, that answer is likely a lot).

Pants can feel like a big price tag when you’re just getting started, but staying warm and dry is half the battle when you’re sitting to strap in, falling, or taking a quick break in the snow. Bibs, on the other hand, can provide a huge advantage: They give you extra coverage up the torso (less chance of snow sneaking in post-wipeout), and you don’t have to worry about them falling down mid-run.

My husband owns the Salomon 3L Snow Bib and has been very happy with it. It’s waterproof, has excellent mobility for both skiing and snowboarding, and is roomy enough to layer as needed. The side vents are especially clutch for the spring days we get here in Colorado. There’s a women’s version, too, with all the same accents.

If you’re looking to seriously up your bib game, the 686 GORE-TEX Dispatch Shell Bib is the expert-recommended pick. Both Corder and Nickerson like it for the technical features: durable GORE-TEX fabric to handle any and all conditions, cross-venting leg vents, reinforced knees, a boot gaiter (a built-in cuff at the bottom of your pants that wraps around your boot to seal out snow), and nine pockets (honestly, probably more than you’ll ever need), plus a key hook.

The added durability and technical specs come with a higher price tag, so the upgrade really only makes sense for serious, all-weather riders who want gear that handles the toughest days season after season. Find the men’s version here.

The pair I personally wear is the Hestra Freeride CZone Mitt. They’re waterproof and windproof, with palm reinforcements, which can be helpful for board carries. I also love the neoprene cuff and velcro closure, as I can dial in the fit to keep the snow out.

Socks are one of those “small” gear choices that can make or break your day. “Look for a single pair of thin to mid-weight, moisture-wicking socks made from merino wool or a synthetic blend,” says Corder. “They keep your feet warm, manage sweat, and prevent blisters. Never wear two pairs, as that can cause bunching, pressure points, and colder feet.”

I can attest to this from personal experience. My family and I lean heavily on Smartwool socks whenever I ski or snowboard. I prefer Smartwool’s over-the-calf options because they stay up and protect my shins from both ski and board boots. The nylon-wool blend holds up well season after season, wicks moisture, and provides a nice, full cushion of support. They come in a variety of fun, colorful designs, too.

A backpack is one of those “nice to haves” that quickly becomes a “why didn’t I do this sooner?” item. When you’re learning, you inevitably stop more often, whether it’s for a snack, to shed layers, to grab water, or just for a quick break. A backpack allows you to do that from anywhere on the mountain.

Corder’s pick is the Dakine Mission Backpack 25L. He calls it “a great buy-once” option that works well at the start of your snowboarding journey and still makes sense as you progress. Even though features like dedicated avalanche-tool storage and vertical board carry aren’t necessarily things you would look for as a beginner, they’re there for when your riding evolves.

Features you’ll love from the jump include a fleece-lined sunglasses or goggles pocket, dual zippered side pockets, and a large interior mesh pocket for larger gear. It also comes with a rescue whistle on the sternum strap and a hydration or laptop sleeve that fits most 15-inch laptops, making it equally useful for both mountain and office days.

A stomp pad is a small add-on that makes a big difference for beginners. It “helps a lot with getting off lifts and skating,” says Mazza. A stomp pad gives your back foot extra grip when it’s unstrapped. Without one, that boot-on-board contact can feel slick.

Mazza recommends the Crab Grab Board Thorns stomp pad, which comes as two independent pads so you can place them right under your toe and heel for maximum control. They’re also peel-and-stick, so setup is quick and easy.

As you get started, you may need to make small tweaks here and there, whether it’s tightening a loose binding screw, adjusting strap length, or dialing in stance. Being able to fix it quickly on the mountain saves a tremendous amount of time.

Corder recommends the Black Diamond Binding Buddy. “A simple multi-tool is a great item for beginners because it allows quick binding adjustments on the hill,” he says. The Black Diamond is compact and stores five bits right in the handle: an 1/8-inch Allen wrench, #4 slotted, #6 slotted, #1 Phillips, and #3 Pozidriv. These cover most quick-adjustments you’ll likely need at some point.